[Click! Health] Gynecologic Cancers Occurring at Younger Ages... "Impact of Lifestyle Changes"

Obstetrics and gynecology is a field that treats various women's diseases such as pregnancy, childbirth, cervical cancer, menstrual pain, and vaginitis. Photo by Getty Images Bank

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Gynecologic cancers refer to all malignant tumors occurring in the female reproductive organs. The three major gynecologic cancers are cervical cancer, which occurs in the cervix; endometrial cancer, which occurs in the uterine lining; and ovarian and fallopian tube cancers, which occur in the ovaries and fallopian tubes where eggs are stored, ovulation, and fertilization take place. Additionally, although rare, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and choriocarcinoma occurring in the placenta can also develop.

Professor Kwon Byung-soo of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kyung Hee University Hospital stated, "Observing patients of various ages and different types of cancers, it seems that the age of onset for gynecologic cancers is gradually decreasing. The main cause can be attributed to Westernized dietary habits and changes in lifestyle patterns."

Currently, the most prevalent gynecologic cancers are cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. Among these, cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). In contrast, the causes of ovarian and endometrial cancers have not yet been clearly identified. Ovarian cancer is associated with factors such as continuous ovulation and excessive gonadotropin stimulation, and recently, hereditary BRCA gene mutations have been identified as one of the major causes.

Professor Kwon explained that the types of gynecologic cancers with high incidence rates change over time. In the past, cervical cancer diagnosis rates were high, but recently, the government has been conducting cytology screening every two years, leading to a steady decline since 1999. He said, "However, the age of onset is gradually decreasing due to changes in sexual behavior patterns, such as earlier initiation of sexual activity."

The incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancers is steadily increasing. Changes in lifestyle patterns, such as delayed marriage and low birth rates, may have influenced this trend. While all gynecologic cancers are risky, cervical and endometrial cancers have relatively high cure rates. Cervical cancer can be detected early through regular screenings and treated with conization, and endometrial cancer can be easily detected due to clear symptoms such as vaginal bleeding.

In contrast, ovarian cancer lacks effective screening tests, and 70-80% of patients are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, at which point the survival rate drops below 50%. Professor Kwon advised, "Although treatments for gynecologic cancers have advanced over a long period, ovarian cancer survival rates often do not exceed five years, making regular follow-up and examinations crucial."

Treatment methods for gynecologic cancers include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and recently, molecular targeted therapies have also been utilized. Since cancer cells have genetic mutations and abnormal signaling pathways different from normal cells, targeting these allows for the development of new anticancer drugs. Professor Kwon said about molecular targeted therapies, "They selectively attack cancer cells without damaging normal cells, making them safer and more effective." He added, "Recently, molecular biomarkers that can predict the effectiveness of targeted therapies for individual patients have been developed, raising expectations for precise personalized treatment."